Andy Rooney And The Underclass

March 23, 1986|By Evelyn Powell.

PARK FOREST — In response to Andy Rooney`s article on Feb. 17, ``The Poor: Whose fault is it?`` He says he is tired of seeing hungry, homeless people and feels that many are responsible for the circumstances in which they find themselves. Who designated Andy Rooney as judge anyway? It`s easy for him to make judgments from his middle class point-of-view. When was the last time he found himself cold, hungry, unemployed, homeless, afraid and totally depressed.

Yes, it`s our fault for the rise of the underclass. When a society as great as our creates a situation of ``underdevelopment`` and relegates the poor to subsist at that level with no way out, then the society must expect to pay the cost.

Berating the poor for their circumstances doesn`t solve the problem. What`s required is to provide for their immediate needs; food, shelter, and clothing.

If he wants to eliminate the homeless, poor and disadvantaged from our mist, he should write his congressman on behalf of the poor. If he encouraged ``The System`` to create adequate subsidized housing, jobs, training and other support programs, the problem of the underclass just may be addressed by those in a position to effect change.

It`s a sad day in America when the citizens of the most progressive country on earth live on the streets; it gives the impression that some Americans have Third World status.

All of us should remember that ``before you judge a man, you must first walk a mile in his shoes.``